President Donald Trump announced Sunday that staff secretary Will Scharf will become the new White House counsel and assistant to the president [1].
The appointment shifts a key legal role within the administration as the U.S. government prepares for upcoming midterm elections [5]. The counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the president, managing a wide array of constitutional and administrative matters.
Scharf will officially assume the position on Sept. 1, 2026 [1]. He replaces David Warrington, who is leaving the administration to join the private sector [4].
Scharf has previously worked closely with the administration in his capacity as staff secretary. He helped secure the approval for a White House ballroom project estimated at $400 million [1].
The announcement was made on Aug. 9, 2026 [1]. Scharf's transition from staff secretary to counsel suggests a consolidation of trusted advisors within the West Wing during a critical legislative period.
Warrington's departure marks the end of his tenure as the lead legal officer for the president. The administration has not yet named a successor for Scharf's previous role as staff secretary.
“Will Scharf will become White House counsel and assistant to the president”
The appointment of Will Scharf signals a preference for internal continuity and proven loyalty. By promoting a staff secretary who successfully navigated the approval process for a high-cost infrastructure project, the administration is placing a trusted operative in a role that manages legal risk and executive privilege ahead of the midterm elections.
